Birmingham is the second largest and most populous city in the UK, second only to the capital. It surprises with its contrasts. Ancient streets and majestic temples here coexist with the best universities and trendy nightclubs. Any tourist will find entertainment for himself here. The sights of Birmingham attract connoisseurs of architecture and art, and lovers of outdoor activities, and frequenters of fashionable parties.
Historical background
According to archaeological finds, settlements appeared in this place 10 thousand years ago. But the first mention of the city is found in the "Book of the Last Judgment", published in 1086. In the middle of the 13th century, a royal decree allowed fairs to be held here. This gave a powerful impetus to the development of the city. The geographical position of the town, standing near three different rivers, made it possiblesmall settlement to become the center of British trade.
Coal and iron deposits are being developed near the city. As a result, it became an industrial center. Local residents at all times were distinguished by ingenuity and ingenuity. The development of industry here went by leaps and bounds, ahead of the technical revolution in the country. And one more feature of Birmingham (England) is the craftsmen who knew how to work with metal. The weapons and armor produced in the local workshops were highly valued.
During the war, the city was massively bombed by fascist aircraft, most of the historical buildings and structures were destroyed. Some buildings have been restored and restored. But most of the city was rebuilt. The metropolis is very harmonious and attractive.
Bull Ring Square
This is Birmingham's oldest landmark. As early as the 12th century, the first shopping malls were opened here. Merchants from all over the country and from abroad came here to offer their goods. Of course, the modern square is not at all like a village bazaar, it is a shopping center where you can buy almost everything. Two modern shopping malls are connected by a covered walkway. The buildings of the original form are covered with aluminum disks on the outside. Even the mall is an award-winning architectural landmark of Birmingham.
Shopping pavilions where you can buy branded items or fresh meat are open every day.
St. Philip's Cathedral
One of Birmingham's amazing sightsis the Cathedral of St. Philip (St Philip's Cathedral). Its forms are more appropriate for Italy than for Foggy Albion. Construction was carried out from 1711 to 1715, and then numerous reconstructions were carried out. The cathedral must be seen both outside and inside. It has stained-glass windows from the 19th century, as well as a large organ.
The Cathedral is the center of sacred music. The church choir regularly performs here, in which adults and children sing, and church choirs from other churches come on tour. Such concerts attract a large number of people.
St Chad Cathedral
Another Birmingham Cathedral is St. Chad (St Chad's Cathedral). It was built in 1841 and its gothic spiers attract the attention of passers-by. The architect of this temple was Augustus Pugin, who designed Big Ben and the interior decoration of the Palace of Westminster. The cathedral has three organs, the walls are decorated with paintings, and the windows have original French stained-glass windows.
Library
The library building attracts the attention of even casual passers-by. It resembles three lace-wrapped gift boxes stacked on top of each other. The building looks romantic, modern and vintage at the same time. This building marked the beginning of the architectural reform of the city, which, according to the planners, was to turn into a modern metropolis.
The library was opened in 2013 and is one of the most popular attractions in Birmingham (England). On 10 floorsthere are countless shelves with books, modern technical innovations. This is the largest library in Britain. It hosts a variety of world-class training, education and research activities.
But that's not all. The icing on the cake is the Shakespeare Memorial Room. The Victorian-style reading room houses one of the finest collections of Shakespeare in the world. Admirers of immortal talent consider it their duty to visit this place.
Visit to the library is free. But she only works 40 hours a week.
Town Hall
Birmingham is home to many world famous musicians. Music is loved and appreciated here. One of the largest concert halls in the city is Town Hall. It was built in the middle of the 19th century. The building is monumental, lined with white marble with columns on the upper tier. The arched entrance completes the composition. The building has preserved its historical decoration. The hall can accommodate 1100 people. It hosts concerts by local bands and visiting world-class musicians from musical to rock. At various times, such celebrities as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen performed here.
Chocolate Museum
Birmingham is the hometown of the renowned chocolate company Cadbury, no wonder there is a chocolate museum here. The museum has an interesting exposition dedicated to the history of the brand. Visitors are offered a tasting of sweet products, and inyou can buy excellent sweet souvenirs in the museum shop.
Oceanarium
Another interesting attraction of Birmingham (UK) is the National Sea Life Centre. Here you can go for a walk with the whole family. In spacious aquariums, various types of marine life are presented: fish, jellyfish, turtles. A special enclosure is given to penguins. Near it there are always a lot of visitors watching these moving and charming animals. Sharks and rays swim majestically in huge aquariums.
Parks
There are a lot of parks in Birmingham. The city is crossed by three rivers, the embankments of which are a favorite place for citizens. This is where they go jogging to walk their dogs or take their kids for a walk. All parks are well maintained and ennobled. There are benches on shady alleys for vacationers, and playgrounds and delightful amusement parks for children.
Universities
Birmingham is famous for its educational base. The schools and universities here are considered among the best in Europe. The building of the University of Birmingham is also an architectural object worthy of the attention of visitors. He is over a hundred years old. There are themed museums on the territory. For example, a science museum and a planetarium. Interesting educational programs are held here. The exposition includes several areas: medicine, robotics and natural sciences. In a playful way, children learn the basics of science. Exhibits can and should be touched, and part of the exposition is interactive. Visitorsin awe of realistic dinosaur models, funny robots and an almost real model of the starry sky.
But at the University of Fine Arts there is an art gallery, opened in 1930. To date, the collection of paintings is very impressive and worthy of the attention of connoisseurs of art. The public is presented with works by Monet, Rodin, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt and other recognized masters. It also houses one of the largest coin collections in the world. Sculptures and miniatures complement the exposition.
Botanical Gardens
The British are recognized gardeners, and the concept of "English garden" was included in landscape design textbooks. Not surprisingly, the landmark of Birmingham on English soil are the botanical gardens. There are two in the city. One of them has been working since 1829. 4 greenhouses are equipped here, in which plants of different climatic zones are grown: tropics, subtropics, Mediterranean and deserts. A stunningly beautiful Victorian park is laid out in the open area. The garden's collection contains more than 7,000 plants, the oldest of which is the Chinese juniper, which is over 250 years old. Many birds live here, including exotic ones.
On the territory of the University of Birmingham there is another botanical garden, designed in the form of a garden villa. This is an ideal place for hiking and admiring the natural beauties. Bright photos of Birmingham (UK) will remind you of visiting these wonderful places.
Aston Hall
Aston Hall ismajor museum in Birmingham. The building was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Now it houses the Museum of Weapons. Also, visitors can see the original interiors of past years, furniture, textiles, paintings and other antiques. The atmosphere of the 17th century still hovers here.
Jewelry Museum
In the building of the former jewelry factory, which for 80 years created gold items worthy of the royal court, now there is a museum. Here you can see jewelry from different years, as well as the tools on which they were made. It is interesting to learn about the technological process of creating a jewelry masterpiece. In the souvenir shop you can buy jewelry made by local craftsmen. This museum is one of the top three European free tourist centers.
Nightclubs
Tourists are attracted not only by the historical sights of Birmingham, but also by the rich nightlife. The nightclubs of the city are famous all over the world, and both visitors and music performers strive to get into a fashionable party in one of them.
Avenue of Stars
Birmingham has its own avenue of stars, similar to Hollywood. The names of celebrities born in this glorious city are imprinted here. Among them are Ozzy Osbourne, Julie Waters and Beav Bevan. Tourists stroll along the alley and take pictures against the backdrop of the stars.
Birmingham in the USA
Surprisingly, there is another city with the same name on the other side of the Atlantic. They have a lot in common. This is the largest city in the state with a developed metallurgy, excellent infrastructure and largeuniversities. Birmingham, Alabama, whose attraction is the spirit of the Old South. This is a huge industrial metropolis that has managed to retain the charm of a small South American town. The center is full of modern life with museums, casinos, bars, industries and businesses. And on the outskirts - the realm of rural life. There is excellent fishing, as well as well-groomed botanical gardens, the Museum of Art, the Jazz Hall of Fame. Here you can walk in the footsteps of the battles of the civil war. The city is inhabited by representatives of many nationalities, so you can hear a variety of dialects on the streets.
Reviews of tourists
According to travelers who have visited Birmingham, this city is full of surprises. Ancient buildings here harmoniously fit into the modern look of the city. Here, city skyscrapers coexist with beautiful parks. This is a great place for cultural or active recreation and shopping.
Birmingham is a modern city with old traditions. Here everyone will find entertainment to their liking. There are many museums in the city that are completely free of charge.
